In a highly alarming report, the world’s most authoritative body of endocrine (hormone) experts, including physicians and scientists, just presented a sobering summary of the harmful effects on health from widespread contamination of our homes, workplaces, and environments by endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) in plastics. EDCs are compounds that leach from everyday use plastics, which disrupt the body’s delicately balanced and vital hormone systems.
The study represents the most comprehensive summary of international research to date and offers strong and compelling evidence of a direct cause and effect relationship between these dubious plastic compounds and pathologic, disease-producing changes to the endocrine system. The fallout – cancer, diabetes, obesity, infertility, and brain/neurologic impairments in developing fetuses and children.
Conservative estimates reveal more than 1000 manmade chemicals in use today are EDCs – specifically disrupting our hormones. Common examples include: BPA, flame retardants, phthalates, PFAS, dioxins, lead and cadmium. EDCs are literally everywhere. They are used extensively in food packaging, construction, flooring, cookware, children’s toys, furniture, clothing, and cosmetics.
What’s more, use of plastics is projected to increase up to 36 percent in the next six years.
Even more dire, many disrupt our epigenetic machinery, which can be transmitted to multiple future generations. For example, if a pregnant woman is exposed, her fetus as well as her fetus’s future grandchildren can carry the risk.
The study’s lead author implored “definitive action is needed on a global level to protect human health and the environment from these threats.”
Everyone, particularly parents with children, pregnant women, and future parents, should take decisive steps to minimize exposures to EDC’s. Here is a link to a fantastic, free guide on reducing you and your family’s exposure to EDCs, courtesy of The Environmental Working Group – the most esteemed consumer advocacy group for reducing toxic exposures.
The Endocrine Society: https://www.endocrine.org/topics/edc/plastics-edcs-and-health
